Vietnam Health Ministry, Hospital Sign Elder-Care Pact

Healthcare providers and experts are emphasizing more proactive, specialized care for older adults as aging populations face rising rates of chronic disease, medication risks and vision problems. In Vietnam, Thong Nhat Hospital is partnering on professional training, research, expert exchanges and public education focused on osteoporosis, cancer and infectious diseases, including plans for an osteoporosis-management center; the country’s osteoporosis cases are projected to rise from about 3.6 million in 2022 to 4.5 million by 2030. A separate Vietnamese outreach program gave 100 older adults eye examinations and consultations, identifying 10 people with conditions requiring follow-up treatment and planning additional screenings in September. U.S. pharmacy guidance warns that older adults frequently misuse over-the-counter medicines and may face heightened risks because of multiple chronic conditions, making clearer labels and pharmacist counseling important. Experts also recommend reviewing complex medication regimens at least annually—and more often after hospitalization or major health changes—especially when falls, drowsiness, confusion, constipation, blood-sugar changes or altered vital signs could reflect drug side effects rather than aging. As med spas increasingly market injections, prescriptions and device-based treatments to older consumers, physicians advise treating these services as medical decisions and researching both the provider and potential risks before proceeding.